Salisbury Police Department still experiencing vacancies, finding ways to boost recruitment

SALISBURY, Md.- It’s been a year since the roll out of the Salisbury Police Department’s incentive plan, an effort to recruit and retain more officers.

Today, the department still remains short-staffed.

That incentive program provides a $25,000 bonus to officers who transfer from other agencies across Maryland who’ve served at least 9 years. The goal is to both increase recruitment and keep experienced officers while staying competitive with other local law enforcement agencies.

Department personnel tells us to-date they’ve gotten only 3 transfers. They also tell us they currently have a total of 9 vacancies.

We’re told that’s the result of many retirements, a lack of qualified applicants, and competition from other local and state agencies. “So, somebody from the City of Salisbury who’s been here 8 or 9 years when they graduate from Maryland State Police will be making $91-92,000 dollars. That’s a Sergeant or Lieutenant’s pay around here. That’s a lot of money,” SPD’s Milton Rodriguez said.

“Obviously we can’t compete with the state money, but we have to stay competitive somehow.”

We’re told the focus now is trying to keep the department competitive when it comes to pay and benefits.

The city is also providing an incentive opportunity to any city employee who makes a successful officer referral.